Pylon-Mounted Camera Vertical Axis Intersection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pylon-mounted camera systems fail to accurately capture footballs traversing airspace above the pylon, which is crucial for determining touchdowns according to NFL Rule 11, Section 2, Article 1(b), as they lack a camera with a vertical orientation capable of viewing this specific area.
Innovation Solution
A pylon-mounted camera assembly with a vertically-oriented camera positioned at the corner of the pylon, featuring an optical axis that intersects the diagonal axis of the pylon, allowing it to view the airspace above and provide an improved video replay of scoring plays, especially those difficult to assess on-field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cameras are mounted horizontally on pylon faces to view goal line and sideline, then the field of view covers the playing surface, but the cameras cannot capture footballs traversing the airspace above the pylon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by mounting cameras on the top surface of the pylon with vertical optical axes, in addition to the traditional horizontal cameras on the faces. This multi-dimensional camera arrangement enables comprehensive coverage of both the playing surface and the airspace above the pylon, resolving the contradiction between accurate touchdown determination and viewing coverage.
2Measurement precision
If a vertical camera is added to view airspace above the pylon, then touchdown determination accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pylon structure is designed to support multiple camera orientations (horizontal and vertical) using the same basic mounting infrastructure. The top surface of the pylon serves as a universal mounting location that can accommodate vertical cameras, while the face surfaces accommodate horizontal cameras, creating a multi-functional system that achieves comprehensive viewing coverage without requiring separate support structures for each camera type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are mounted on the pylon to achieve comprehensive viewing, then viewing coverage improves, but the risk of interference during play increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is segmented into multiple independent camera units mounted at different locations and orientations on the pylon. Each camera has a specialized function (horizontal cameras view the playing surface, vertical cameras view the airspace), allowing the system to achieve comprehensive coverage while maintaining operational independence that reduces interference risks during play.
Data Source
AI summary
A pylon-mounted camera assembly, comprising a pylon, the pylon comprising a first face, a second face, a third face and a fourth face, the first fact adjacent to the second face such that the first and second faces form a first corner, the third face adjacent to the fourth face such that the third and fourth faces form a second corner, wherein a diagonal axis intersects the first and second corners; a first aperture at least partially embedded within the first corner of the pylon; and, a first camera adjustably positioned within the first aperture, the first camera facing upwardly, the first camera comprising an optical axis wherein the optical axis is adjustably arranged to intersect the diagonal axis of the pylon.